Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-03-08
Gales aud Sketfhes.
A STRANGE CLIENT.

A STRANGE CLIENT.
It was bleak December day. A Bit
ing, snow laden nor -easter was sweeping
over the wide expanse of Murley Heights.
and apparently exullng in its untram.
melled freedom. Opposition to its wild
will upon these downs there was none.
The only defiance. of the keen Vikings
blast was found in the person OF the soil
tary pedestrian who was daring enough
to have defied the threatened snow-storm
in his eagerness to journey from Ettisdale
to Murlev Coombe. He was little man,
and bent and shriveled with cares and
oil. if not with age. Both his head
and neck were of the true Eng
fish bulldog type, and upon his
face there was stamped an expression OF
indomitable resolution and unwavering
perseverance. He was dressed in rusty
and thread bare suit of black, which to the
average observer would doubtless have
marked him out as belonging to the large
and saddened army OF the shabby-gen-
teel.
When some two thirds of the weary
eight miles between the two villages had
been accomplished, an omlnous numbness
seized upon the wayfarer's limbs, his gait
became uncertain. and strange darkness
seemed to close in upon the horizon OF his
vision
"If there were cottage anywhere nigh
AZ could get a warm in he solilo-
ouized. I'm nigh persisted with cold /;
but there's no house nearer than Donald
sons farm. However. l shall soon be
there, and"
He reeled gave helpless little cry,
lurched heavily forward. and lay-a sense
less, spider-like OBJECTION the damp turf.
# he had not indeed received "chlll. -
he was in imminent danger of taking one.
Fortunately. succor was at hand.
A gentleman's gig was rafting over the
curve of the hillside at a pace which told
either of confident Workmanship, or OF
an errand which brooked no needless de-
lay.
..Fitch what is the meaning of this?'
asked the stalwart young driver of his
servant.
The groom bestowed single perfume
tory glance upon the PROSTATE form, and
answered, Drunk, sir"
Quite as likely overcome by cold and
fatigue. The poor fellow looks i'll clad
and thin, anyhow" and Frank Archer
followed his arrest of the horse by a
transfer of the reins to his attendant. In
another second he was trying to arouse the
sleeper; he shook him, he shouted in his
ear-without effect.
1.-THE man is in stupor of some kind.
1t will not be safe to leave him thus"
said Frank in dismay.
"There's no house nigh. sir"
"We'll just have to drive back to Muir
lev with him. You and can lift him in
to the trap, fancy. shall be late for
my appointment, but wher lite is at stake
business must wait"
The groom, whatever his private opn-
ion of his masters quixotic conduct,
obeyed orders, like the model satellite
he was, with no word of demur, and be
ing a champion in rural feats of strength,
found his allotted task light. In very
brief space the gig was climbing the hill
it had so lately descended.
Either the disturbance of removal, or
the motion and the renewed breeze
created 10y the drive, or both combined,
gradually revived the sufferer. He first
groaned, then shifted his head uneasily
on Fitch's supporting shoulder, then un-
closed his half-vacant eyes, and MUIR
INJURED inal ticulate words, which sounded
like --trouble-couldn't help
cold" His friend in need drove his horse
straight into the yard of the chief Muir
lev hotel.
An explanation was soon given, the
stranger assisted within doors and sur.
geon summoned.
"I'll be responsible for damages. but |
eto fowl 10 DO ~ - cold Er,p l.,
Archer" and again he set out on his
journey.
The man of medicine gave it as his
opinion that the patient had sustained no
serious harm, and would quickly recover,
adding
But another half hour in the open field
where Mr.. Archer found him might have
produced much greater mischief. in his
weak state, fatal consequences, even,
might have ensued. He was rescued in
the very nick of time, and should be
grateful accordingly.
Perhaps the wayfarer was grateful, as
he rested in the warm and we'll lighted
inn parlor Immediately in the rear of the
bar; as the dusk crept on in the street
without. he grew more and more himself
and began to listen to such scraps of Cos.
Slplng conversation as reac0eu MIN through
the half open door. A tiny group of Muir
ley idlers was in the passage beyond, and
their words were full of interest to the un
suspected listener.
"Murrell carries his head as high as
ever, though his mill is to be sod. and al
the countryside knows as he's ruined y
said one in cynical tones, absolutely devoid
OF sympathy.
"l'm sorry for his daughter" answered
another; "'tis no fault of Miss Carrie S
and it'll cost her her sweetheart. Old
Archer won't give his permission for that
match now. if know him, and young
Master Frank must choose between his
fortune and his fancy. hate to see young
people crossed, but fact is fact"
flush Here is Miss Murrel!" cried
a third.
sweet girish voice was inquiring for
the invalid. Before the occupant of the
parlor was aware, ne was confronted with
vision of fair, blushing maiden-a Wis
ion whereat he started, turned ashy pale
trembled from head to foot. To his eyes
it was as though the grave had given W
! hoaH